REPORTED BY MUHAMMAD BALOCH
Baloch Society of North America strongly condemn the kidnappingof John Solecki and asks the kidnappers to release him unharmed,immediately.Baloch Society of North America (BSO-NA) strongly condemn the kidnapping of JohnSolecki, the head ofthe United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), and asks the kidnappersto release Mr.John Solecki unharmed, immediately, but also asked the UN to not close its eyesover the crimescommitted by Islamic States, Pakistan and Iran, against the Baloch people forthe last 60 years.The case of Zarina Baloch and thousands others who are lingering in Pakistaniand Iranian Jails are a slapon the face of those who claims to be the advocates and defenders of Humanrights. United Nation has aresponsibility and obligation to stop these crimes against unarmed innocentBaloch people and it mustresolve the long overdue Balochistan's ISSUE according to international laws andGeneva Convention. TheGenocide of Baloch Nation, bombardment, arrests and tortures, public hanging andthe loot and plunder ofBaloch resources must stop. Baloch Nation must be given the right to live inpeace and freedom.AN APPEAL TO THE KIDNAPPERWe believe that it is an act of ISI to tarnish the Baloch freedom fighters as aterrorists, as we have not heard about this BLUF before, but again, if it is thework of few emotional frustrated Baloch youths, we request them to please let goMr. John Solecki unharmed, immediately. We will relate their demandsto United Nation democratically and through peaceful means. Please observe andtake account of our great Balochi traditions and do not harm the guest,as Mr. John Solecki or the UN is not our enemy.Dr. Wahid Baloch, President ofBaloch Society Of North America (BSO-NA),1629 K Street NW, Suit 300Washington D.C 20036 USATel: (202) 349-1682Fax: (202) 331-3759E-Mail: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/baloch-people/post?postID=3uwMtBT_OgldyHRKWllQVtVytDnCIOtEaQgpAuRf3zjCt3gD4KU605M6AwMN3MyjfcBBtr6SlXSDyaCaWebsite: http://www.bso-na.org/Related Links:Solecki's mother appeals to public for helpBaloch rebels reject UN plea for direct talks to release official Feb19, 2009UN seeks direct contact with Solecki's kidnappers Feb16, 2009UN hostage deadline extended in PakistanBaloch outfit extends deadline for fulfillment of its demands Feb16, 2009Pak admits FBI investigating Solecki's abduction case Feb16, 2009PAKISTAN: Release Of Kidnapped UN Staffer Urged. Feb 16, 2009Ban repeats call for release of kidnapped UN staff member in Pakistan Feb15,2009Fate of UN hostage in Pakistan hangs in balance - Summary Feb 14, 2009Foreign agencies to help search abducted U.N official Feb 14, 2009UN Secretary-General Call s Zardari for the immediate release of John SoleckiFeb 14, 2009UN man in Pakistan kidnap video: BBC Report Feb 14, 2009Kidnapped UN official appeals for help Feb 14, 2009Pakistan: Video appears to show kidnapped U.N. official February 14, 2009Kidnapped UN official appeals for help Feb 14, 2009Pak: UN diplomat's kidnappers issue video Feb 14, 2009Pakistan: UN Calls For Kidnapped Staff Member Feb 09, 2009Balochistan group says it kidnapped Solecki: Feb 7, 2009A New Baloch group claims abducting UNHCR headBaluch rebels claim kidnap of American in PakistanAmerican U.N. official kidnapped in Pakistan>> More on SoleckiJohn Solecki's mother appeals to public for helpPakistan: Kidnappers set deadline for UN officialMarch 02, 2009The abductors of an American United Nations official, kidnapped in Pakistan'sBalochistan province in February, have threatened to kill him if theirdemands, including the release of thousands of political prisoners, were not metwithin the next four days.The Balochistan Liberation United Front, which abducted UN High Commissioner forRefugees official John Solecki after killing his driver on February 2,listed its demands in a letter sent to a news agency in the southwestern city ofQuetta on Sunday night.The BLUF demanded the release of 141 Baloch women prisoners and thousands ofpolitical prisoners who were, it claimed, being held in different jailsacross Pakistan.It warned that it would kill Solecki if these demands were not met within fourdays.Officials in Quetta told reporters that the government of Balochistan provincehad established contacts with tribal and political leaders to negotiateSolecki's release.The BLUF had earlier said it was providing medical facilities to the ailingSolecki, who heads the UNHCR office in Balochistan province. It has alsospurned the UN's offer for Solecki's abductors to make direct contact fornegotiations on his release.However, officials have dismissed the BLUF's claims about Baloch women andpolitical activists being detained by security agencies.http://www.rediff.com/news/2009/mar/02kidnappers-set-deadline-for-un-official.htmKidnappers set new deadline for US hostage in PakistanQUETTA, Pakistan (AFP) – A group claiming to hold an American UN official inPakistan has threatened to kill him if the government does not free morethan 1,100 prisoners in four days, in a letter seen by AFP Monday.John Solecki, head of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in the southwestern provinceof Baluchistan, was snatched at gunpoint from the city of Quettawhile travelling to work on February 2.His driver was killed during the abduction.It was the most high-profile Western kidnapping in Pakistan since 2002, when USjournalist Daniel Pearl was snatched and beheaded by Al-Qaedamilitants."This is our final deadline," the shadowy Baluchistan Liberation United Front(BLUF) said in a letter sent to the local Online news agency."We will kill Solecki after the expiry of the deadline and the governmentinstitutions will be held responsible," it said.The agency's local bureau chief Irfan Saeed told AFP they had received atelephone call Sunday that a letter had been placed inside the wall of agovernment school in Quetta for release to the media.The letter came with the names of 1,109 missing people, all ethnic Baluchs whomBLUF claim to be in government custody.The hand-written one-page letter in Urdu accompanies multiple sheets typed inEnglish with the names of "missing people". It claimed the missingBaluch are in "torture cells".The kidnappers had on February 16 extended until further notice an earlier72-hour deadline for the government to meet demands for Solecki's release.The letter urged the United Nations, human rights groups and Solecki's family toput pressure on the Pakistan government.The group had previously demanded information about 6,000 "missing" men andreleased a list of 141 Baluch women allegedly in government custody.The commander of Pakistan's paramilitary Frontier Corps, Major General SaleemNawaz, last week accused Brahamdagh Bugti, a Baluch nationalistleader who is living in Afghanistan, of masterminding the abduction.Nawaz said he believed Solecki was "being kept somewhere in Baluchistan" anddescribed his abduction as an "attempt to defame Pakistan."Hundreds of people have died in the oil- and gas-rich province since late 2004,when rebels rose up to demand political autonomy and a greater shareof profits from natural resources.Baluchistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, has also been hit by attacksblamed on Taliban militants.UNHCR official is alive: BLUFMonday, February 23, 2009QUETTA: The Balochistan Liberation United Front (BLUF) has denied the reports ofmaking phone call to press club regarding killing of abducted UnitedNations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) provincial head John Solecki.The spokesman of BLUF said rumors are false alarm and said that he is stillalive and absolutely fine.Earlier, unknown persons had phoned in Quetta Press Club and claimed that Johnhas been killed and his body will be found after two hours.However, government and independent sources could not confirm the reports ofJohn's killing.John Solecki had kidnapped in Quetta on February 2. An unknown organizationBaloch Liberation United Front (BLUF) had claimed the responsibility ofkidnapping.Unknown persons claimed killing of abducted UNHCRThe unknown persons claimed killing of United Nations High Commission forRefugees (UNHCR) provincial head John Solecki.According to reports, unknown persons phoned in Quetta Press Club on Monday andclaimed that John has been killed and his body will be found aftertwo hours.However, government and independent sources could not confirm the reports ofJohn's killing.John Solecki was kidnapped in Quetta on February 2.An unknown organizationBaloch Liberation United Front had claimed the responsibility ofkidnapping.http://www.thenews.com.pk/updates.asp?id=69413BLUF rejects UN request for direct talks over abducted officialBy Malik Siraj AkbarQUETTA: The Baloch Liberation United Front (BLUF) has spurned a plea by theUnited Nations for direct negotiations for the release of John Solecki, thehead of the UNHCR in Balochistan who was abducted two weeks ago.Mir Shahak Baloch, who claimed to be the spokesman for the previously unheard-ofBLUF, called reporters using a satellite phone from an undisclosedlocation and said the UN official's health had worsened in the last few days.He said the group had provided details of the missing persons to the governmentalong with a video of John Solecki released last week."Instead of cooperating with us, the government is trying to move the missingpersons to more secretive places. We want the UN to formulate a team andcome to Balochistan to see the actual situation about the missing persons," theBLUF spokesman said.UN officials in Pakistan have been secretly in touch with leading Balochnationalist and tribal leaders seeking their help for the release of theabductedofficial. A two-member team of the UN had unofficially called on veteran Balochnationalist leader Nawab Khair Baksh Marri, 90, at his Karachi residenceon Tuesday. Similarly, appeals have been made by Jamil Akbar Bugti, a son oflate Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, Sardar Akthar Mengal, a former chiefminister of Balochistan and Hairbayar Marri, a son of Nawab Khair Baksh Marri.http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009219story_19-2-2009_pg7_4UN asks for safe release of its official from Pak abductorsIslamabad, Feb 17 (PTI) The United Nations today appealed to the abductors of anAmerican national working for the UN refugee agency in Pakistan tomake "direct contact" for negotiations for his "immediate and safe release".John Solecki, who heads the UNHCR office in southwestern Balochistan province,was kidnapped on February 2 by gunmen who killed his driver. Thehitherto unheard of Balochistan Liberation United Front has claimedresponsibility for the abduction.In a statement, the UN appealed to Solecki's captors for his "immediate and saferelease". It said, "The United Nations encourages the communityleaders' continued engagement and again asks those keeping John to initiatedirect contact so that dialogue can be started for his immediate saferecovery." The BLUF yesterday extended a 72-hour deadline for the government tomeet demands for Solecki's release. The organisation has demandedthe release of 141 Baloch women it claimed were detained by Pakistaniauthorities and the tracing of 6,000 "missing" men.Interior ministry chief Rehman Malik has dismissed the demands, saying no Balochwomen were being held by law enforcement agencies.Solecki's kidnappers released a video on Friday in which he was seen appealingto the UN for his release and saying he was unwell. PTIUNHCR team meets Marri for Solecki's recoveryBy Razzak AbroKARACHI: The United National High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has formallysought the help of Baloch nationalist leader Nawab Khair BakshMarri for the safe recovery of abducted UNHCR head in Balochistan, John Solecki.A UNHCR delegation, led by its country chief, called on the Baloch leader at hisresidence in Karachi on Tuesday evening.None of the sides was willing to talk to the media, but Baloch Rights Councilleader Abdul Wahab Baloch told journalists that Marri had made it clear thathe neither had contact with the abductors, nor were they accessible."However, Nawab Marri has agreed to make an appeal to the kidnapper, through themedia, to consider the matter on humanitarian grounds, as Soleckiis reported to be seriously ill," Wahab said. He said the Baloch nationalistmovement would be adversely affected if Solecki was killed or died in custodyof the abductors.http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009218story_18-2-2009_pg7_6Solecki's kidnappers extend deadlineQUETTA: 17.02.2009An unknown militant group holding hostage an American working for the UnitedNations in Pakistan said on Monday it had extended a deadline they hadset to kill him if their demands were not met.The group, calling itself the Balochistan Liberation United Front (BLUF) hadsaid on Friday it would kill John Solecki in 72 hours, but on Monday aspokesman said more time would be given for the government to accede to itsdemands.'We are giving more days for the government to accept our demands,' ShahiqBaloch, the BLUF spokesman, said in a telephone call to the Press Club inQuetta.Solecki, the head of the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)in Quetta, was kidnapped on Feb 2 after gunmen ambushed his carand shot dead the driver.The hitherto unheard BLUF has demanded UN intervention to to secure the releaseof 141 women in Pakistani torture cells, provide information aboutmore than 6,000 missing persons, and resolve the issue of Baloch independenceunder the Geneva Convention.A low level insurgency has rumbled on for years in Balochistan.Mountainous and arid, Balochistan is rich in mineral resources and possessesPakistan's largest oil and gas fields.http://www.dawn.com/Raisani confirms FBI probing Solecki's case* Four held for UNHCR official's abductionLAHORE: Balochistan Chief Minister Aslam Raisani on Sunday admitted that USFederal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officials were present in theprovince to investigate the abduction of a UNHCR official, a private TV channelreported on Sunday.According to the channel, Raisani told reporters in Quetta that efforts wereunderway for the safe recovery of John Solecki, head of the UN refugee agencyin Quetta, adding that he was expecting a breakthrough in the case within a fewdays. He said some arrests had also been made in connection with thekidnapping.The channel reported that four people had been arrested in connection withSolecki's abduction.According to the channel, the suspects were arrested from the Gardi Junglerefugee camp in Chaghi district of Balochistan. All shops in the area havebeen closed and people have been instructed to stay indoors, the channel said.BLUF ultimatum ends todayQUETTA: A deadline by the Baloch Liberation United Front (BLUF) demanding therelease of 141 Baloch women allegedly in official custody — inexchange for the release of abducted United Nations High Commission for Refugees(UNHCR) official John Solecki — is likely to end today (Monday)without much headway. According to sources, disappointed UN officials hadsecretly begun contacting Baloch tribal elders and political parties to usetheir influence to request the BLUF to release Solecki. malik siraj akbarhttp://www.dailytimes.com.pk/UN seeks access to kidnappersQUETTA: The United Nations has sought direct contact with the kidnappers ofUNHCR representative John Solecki to discuss his release as soon aspossible, the world body said in a statement on Saturday.According to a UN spokesman, Mr Solecki, who was kidnapped in Quetta on Feb 2,is a humanitarian worker deeply committed to helping people inneed.The United Nations appealed to the community leaders and all the partiesconcerned to support its efforts to obtain contact with those holding Mr Soleckihostage.The spokesman said that on Friday night the local media released the video of ablindfolded man who appeared to be Mr Solecki.The UN remains extremely concerned about Mr Solecki's state of health, thespokesman said.He said the United Nations was aware of the demands made by the kidnappersthrough the media, adding that it "seeks urgent contact to discuss waysof securing his safe release as soon as possible."http://www.dawn.com/2009/02/15/top8.htmBLUF demands unrealistic: MalikQUETTA: 15.02.2009Interior Adviser Rehman Malik on Saturday described as "unrealistic andexaggerated" the list of missing persons provided by the Baloch LiberationUnited Front (BLUF) in exchange for the release of an American UN official, JohnSolecki. malik siraj akbar.Kidnapped UN official appeals for helpSat Feb 14 2009A United Nations official kidnapped in north- western Pakistan around a week agohas appealed to the world body to meet the demands set by Balochseparatists in return for his release in a video released by the kidnappers."I am not feeling well, I am in trouble," John Solecki, the local head of theUnited Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and US national, said.Solecki, who is seen blindfolded in the short video released to Pakistan'sprivate news agency Online, adds that UN should meet the demands of hiscaptors.The Baloch Liberation United Front (BLUF), a secular and nationalist guerrillaorganisation seeking independence from Pakistan, warned if the UN doesnot manage to secure the release of 141 Baloch women held in the torture cellsof Pakistan's intelligence agencies, they would execute Solecki.Solecki, was snatched last week after unknown gunmen shot dead his driver inQuetta, the capital of Balochistan province. The BLUF claimedresponsibility of the abduction.The Baloch group has been campaigning for years for a greater share of theprovince's oil and gas wealth and more autonomy for the region.Recently, some extremist groups, like BLUF, have gone a step further to demand acomplete separation of the region from Pakistan.They started an armed campaign in 2005 when the government of President PervezMusharraf launched a military operation to quell the rebellion. Theinsurgency has claimed hundreds of lives and several power and communicationinstallations destroyed or damaged.http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/752078/kidnapped-un-official-appeals-for-helpUN makes direct appeal to Pak abductorsSaturday, February 21, 2009With concern mounting over the fate of its kidnapped top diplomat in Pakistan'sBalochistan province, the United Nations made a direct appeal onFebruary 20, to the abductors to release John Solecki "immediately withoutharm"."The United Nations remains extremely concerned about John Solecki's health,which we are told is deteriorating," the UN said in a statement."John has a serious medical condition, which may now be endangering his life adevelopment that would do nothing to help the cause of those keepinghim or those among us, who want John's safe return as soon as possible," thestament said.Solecki heading the UNHCR office in south-western Balochistan province, waskidnapped on February 2 by gunmen, who killed his driver. The hithertounheard of Balochistan Liberation United Front has claimed responsibility forthe abduction.The UN asked Solecki's abductors on February 17, to make direct contact fornegotiations on his release. "The United Nations reiterates its appeal tothose holding John Solecki to release him immediately without harm. The UN onceagain appeals to those having John to contact us, if not directly, thenthrough a trustedintermediary - so that the situation can be resolved in apeaceful dialogue," read the statement issued on February 20.The statement acknowledged that the UN is taking seriosuly, a message from theabductors through the media on February 18. "We are again gratefulfor the support of the leaders of Balochistan for the safe release of John, andacknowledge the concerns of the Balochistan community," the statementfurther declared.The UN also highlighted its own role in safeguarding Human Rights in Pakistan.The statement even cited, it was "working on appropriate ways toaddress the concerns, including sharing information with the relevantauthorities, such as the newly established Federal Ministry of Human Rights".The statement also mentioned, that the UN had signed an agreement this year withthe Human Rights Ministry to support the promotion of HumanRights throughout Pakistan. Solecki is a humanitarian worker, "serving Afghanrefugees as well as the Pakistanis, affected by earthquakes and floods inBalochistan".http://www.apakistannews.com/un-makes-direct-appeal-to-pak-abductors-106467HRCP wants probe into Balochistan disappearancesSaturday, 21 Feb, 2009LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) called upon thegovernment on Friday to immediately set up a high-powered andindependent commission to deal with disappearance in Balochistan, release anypeople in unacknowledged custody of state agencies, and help securethe release of the UNHCR official, John Solecki.In a statement issued here, the commission said: `The case of the abduction ofthe UNHCR official, Solecki, and the demand by his kidnappers for therelease of a large number of Balochistan people, including many women, continuesto assume ever more serious dimensions.'It has almost been three weeks since Mr Solecki was kidnapped and every passingday increases apprehensions about his safety. At the same time thegroup that claims to be holding him has issued a list of 867 involuntarilydisappeared people, including over 100 women. A separate list of 138 womenalso has been released and it contains addresses of 76 women and the dates oftheir `arrest'.The HRCP statement reads that whatever one may think of the authenticity ofthese lists, it is obvious that the situation created by the claim ofdisappearance of so many women is far more serious than it had so far beenassumed. It is the first time the people, at least outside Balochistan, havelearnt about the disappearance of Baloch women. Even if the list is partlycorrect, it should make all politicians and civil society defenders of theoppressed hang their heads in shame.In this situation, the government cannot sit with folded hands, says thecommission, adding that every effort must be made to assuage the Balochpeople's feeling of outrage. While attempts to secure Mr Solecki's releasethrough negotiations should continue, the federal government mustimmediately set up a commission, with Balochistan adequately represented on it,to investigate the cases of all missing people and secure the releaseof all those who are found in unauthorised detention.The commission should have the power to summon any state employee and grantappropriate relief. Even before the commission is formed, it isnecessary to order all state agencies to immediately disgorge anyone held intheir custody or show cause for holding him or her.This is necessary to serve as proof of government's earnestness in trying toheal the festering sore the issue has become, said the HRCP.http://dawn.net/wps/wcm/connect/dawn+content+library/dawn/news/pakistan/balochistan/Envoy tells UN Pakistan will do more for the BalochFeb 21,.2009GENEVA: Pakistan's ambassador to the United Nations (UN) says his country istrying to address the discrimination against the Baloch. Zamir Akramsays the Pakistan government "has given high priority to engaging local Balochleaders and the people of Balochistan in a meaningful dialogue andremoving their legitimate grievances". A UN panel on racial discriminationquestioned Akram on Thursday about Pakistan's treatment of the Baloch. Thesouth-western province of Balochistan has long been the scene of a low-levelinsurgency, with militant groups seeking greater regional autonomy and alarger share of revenue from its natural resources. aphttp://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009221story_21-2-2009_pg7_17PRESS RELEASEBaloch Human Rights Council strongly condemns the abduction of Mr John Solecki,the Head of UNHCR in Quetta and those responsible for thisdastardly act.It is absolutely bewildering as to how this incident took place under the verynoses of the ISI and other secret agencies in one of the most sensitive citiesin Pakistan . For five whole days no one claimed any responsibility. However,when the pressure mounted on the secret agencies, suddenly amysterious organization purporting to be the champion of the Baloch cause,hitherto unbeknown to anyone in Balochistan, claimed responsibility for MrSolecki's abduction. The credibility of this claim appears to be doubtful atleast on two counts. First, in its sixty years' long history the Baloch movementhas never used kidnapping as a tactic. Secondly, the pattern and methodology ofthis venture clearly point to religious fundamentalists and their localallies who enjoy a special relationship with the secret agencies. Does itsurprise anyone that Pakistani authorities have so far failed to incriminatetheseelements? In the wake of Mr Solecki's kidnapping a government official'spronouncement that he might have been shifted to Afghanistan puts a hugequestion mark on this whole affair.We believe that the Islamabad government knows all the facts about thecircumstantial details that led to Mr Solecki's abduction. Aware of the way thePakistani secret agencies operate, we do not believe that any Baloch group wasinvolved in this incident for the simple reason that it is not the UnitedNations but the Pakistani state which has persistently denied our people theirbasic human rights and has been responsible for untold atrocities inBalochistan. Nevertheless, even if a single misguided Baloch person is involvedin this unforgivable circumstance we denounce this act most vigorouslyand demand that Mr Solecki is released immediately and unconditionally.Dr. Habibullah MalikPresident, Baloch Human Rights CouncilAppeal for the release of Mr. John Solecki13 February 2009The Baloch people in Balochistan and throughout the world have been shockinglyobserving the abduction of a UNHCR official in Quetta (Balochistan)for the last many days. As the representative of an organization representingthe voice and sentiments of the Baloch people, I am saddened that thedecades long heavy handedness of Pakistan towards the Baloch nation has nowbrought some Baloch to the point where they believe that only suchextreme measures will serve their cause and alarm the international community ofthe plight of the Baloch nation.One cannot deny the fact that the Baloch people have been the victim of a mostcruel state establishment of the contemporary world. Thousands ofinnocent and defenseless women, children and elderly have been mercilessly andbarbarically massacred by the army of Pakistan. The recognizedleadership of the Baloch masses have been humiliated, imprisoned or murdered inorder to crush the legitimate and democratic struggle of the Balochpeople against the state brutalities. Hundreds of Baloch villages have beenbombarded and hundreds of thousands have been displaced. Thousands ofmen and women are have been missing for years and their whereabouts remainunknown.I personally understand the pain and resentment of those who have lost so muchat the hands of Pakistan. I myself am one who has lost many whowere dear to me, including two of my dear uncles, Nawabzada Balach Marri and MirAsadullah Mengal and a great leader, Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, atthe hands of the tyrannical and cowardly Punjabi-Pakistan establishment.One cannot deny the fact that such kind of atrocities by the Pakistani statewith the assistance of western powers are bound to be resented by the peopleand extreme reactionary measures on behalf of the affected families are destinedto take place as it has been witnessed in other parts of the worldfacing similar situations.Nevertheless, the Baloch must not resort to abduction and other violent actsagainst innocent and peaceful civilians. The harming of human rightsdefenders and international humanitarian aid workers will surely not serve theBaloch cause in any positive way.The persons responsible for this act should bear in mind that although they mayhave perpetrated this act in order expose the misery endured by theBaloch people and gain the attention of the international community which wouldin turn pressure Pakistan to address the Baloch grievances, however itwill adversely affect the Baloch national cause as it will be exploited byPakistan to portray the downtrodden Baloch as uncivilized and inhumaneextremists, resulting in the possible isolation of the secular Baloch nationwhich is striving to gain its sovereignty and sustain the survival of itsculturaland national identity. It may create a chiasm between the well-wishers of theBaloch people among the international community and the Balochorganizations which are struggling against the subjugation and exploitation ofthe State establishment.The persons holding Mr. John Solecki should be well aware of the fact that it isnot the United Nations but the Pakistani state which has persistentlydenied the Baloch people their basic human rights and has been responsible foruntold atrocities in Balochistan. Mr. Solecki is connected with anorganization involved in many humanitarian endeavours in Balochistan and shouldnot be seen as an enemy, but as a friend who has been there attimes when people have been victims of natural disasters or brutal atrocities atthe hands of states. He has brought aid and comfort to people in distressin several parts of the world, therefore he deserves much better.I hope the kidnappers of Mr. Solecki who claim to be Baloch, will abstain fromcommitting an act that would only benefit the Pakistan government and itsagencies which do not seem genuinely concerned about securing the safe releaseof Mr. Solecki but is rather strongly denying the injustices faced by theBaloch and has not only launched a crackdown on Baloch political workers, but isalso deliberately provoking the kidnappers by adopting a threateningand daring tone which is the typical mindset of the Punjabi-Pakistani occupiers,that could unfortunately lead the kidnappers into taking steps that couldtarnish the image of the Baloch nation internationally.The United Nations and the international community must acknowledge thedeceptive strategies of the Pakistani government and must play their duerole in addressing the plight of the Baloch nation. The Baloch should alsorecognize and counter the conspiracies being hatched against them by theoppressors and should respect the efforts of relief workers and human rightsactivists sincerely working for peace, social justice and equality,regardless of their race, creed, colour, gender or national origin.I humbly appeal to those who are holding Mr. John Solecki captive to release himunharmed on humanitarian grounds, upholding the centuries oldBaloch tradition and values where guests are protected at the expense of one'sown life.I hope that if those who hold John Solecki are truly sons of the soil, they willconsider the appeal of a Baloch brother.Noordin MengalBaloch representative to the United Nations in New York and the United NationsHuman Rights Council on behalf of Interfaith International.John Solecki and Qambar Baloch—A reminder to the people of the USA and UNNow that only a few hours are to go from the deadline given by the BalochLiberation United Front (BLUF) about the release of John Solecki, I have touttera few words to the Americans. Never before in my life time have I been so badlydisappointed with the people of the United States of America. It has beentwo weeks since John Solecki, an American head of the United Nations HighCommission for Refugees, was kidnapped from Quetta. The majority ofJohn's countrymen have brazenly kept quite on the whole matter. Not a singlejournalist from the US reached Quetta in the past two weeks to write apiece on John Solecki. No top US official arrived here, nor did a leading humanrights champion.In countries like Pakistan with almost no democracy in place, the civil societyhas no role at all to pressurize their respective governments. But I am justdisappointed with the American government, media and the human rightsorganizations. This case could not make enough space in the Americanpress. We thought that American President would speak up. He didn't. We thoughtZardari would be taken to task. He wasn't. We thought the Americanpeace activists would rush to Quetta and expedite their efforts to release John.They didn't.For the first time, I have no qualms in saying that we, the people ofBalochistan and the Baloch intellectuals, have spoken more actively in supportofJohn Solecki than the Americans. We have condemned the kidnapping and appealedfor Solecki's immediate and unconditional release. Why has theCNN not actively covered the whole matter? Why has the US government still notput ample pressure on Islamabad to ensure the release of thekidnapped official.What is the White House waiting for? What are the big guns in CNN, Fox News, CBSNews, New York Times, and Washington Post waiting for? Whyhave they not deputed their correspondents to visit Quetta and bring more newsabout John Solecki to the whole world? Are they all waiting for John'sdeath news? Are they preparing to be the first ones to `break the news'? Is theWhite House preparing the draft of a presidential speech to condemn thekilling of John Solecki, which may occurred any time in the next 24 hours?I do not understand why the Americans are so confidently buying the piece offalse information given to them by Islamabad. The Pakistan rulers, let memake it clear, are not being truthful. Rehman Malik, the country's nationalsecurity advisor, is lying when he says not a single Baloch is in thegovernment's custody. While he was in Quetta yesterday to investigate the demands of theBLUF, the Baloch students from the Balochistan University of InformationTechnology and Management Sciences (BUITMS) were protesting the `disappearance'of a Baloch student Qambar Baloch.More than ten people have gone missing in Quetta in the past two weeks. Theseinclude people from all walks of life. The government secrete serviceshave picked up the central secretary general and the information secretary ofthe Baloch Republican Party (BRP) Dr. Bashir Azeem Blaoch and Mir JalilRekhi respectively. While we are being constantly assured the democracy hasreturned to Pakistan, another key BRP leader, Chakar Qambarani hasalso been whisked away. Worst still, the victims of `disappearances' are notonly the activists of the opposition political parties. They also includeinnocent university students.The interior advisor said that not a single Baloch was in the custody of thegovernment which surely is a white lie. Similarly, if the government can resortto such false statements then I see no reasons why the Americans should notquestion its commitment in ensuring the release of John Solecki. TheAmerican people and the media should pressurize Islamabad to act more swiftlyand secure John safe and sound.The Baloch leaders have disassociated themselves from this case. Nawabzada JamilAkbar Bugti, the son of late Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, a key Balochnationalist leader, has strongly condemned the kidnapping today. He has appealedto the kidnappers to release the American national. A similar appealhas been issued by the central spokesman of the Balochistan National Party(BNP-Mengal). Last week, Nawabzada Bramdagh Bugti, the chief organizerof the Baloch Republican Party (BRP) also said his organization had noconnections with the abduction. He further commented that his party did notendorse such kind of activities.However, given the fact that the kidnapping of John Solecki and the`disappearance'of Qambar Baloch coincide with each other, the internationalcommunity should take notice of the prevailing situation in Balochistan. Thelargest and the least populated of Pakistan's four provinces, Balochistanhas been the center of Islamabad's repressive policies for six decades. Fourtimes in the past were deadly military operations inflicted on the people ofthe province. Thousands of people have lost their lives in the battle with thecountry's security forces.Islamabad has been brutally exploiting the Baloch resources. While gas wasdiscovered in the province, which accounts for Pakistan's 43% total area, inearly 1950s, around 95% of the province is deprived of its own gas facility eventill today. In the latest phase of the military operation unleashed by themilitary regime of Pervez Musharraf, thousands of young Baloch have gonemissing. These `missing persons' also include around 141 women. It is thissituation that has led to the formation of organizations like the BLUF. If oneis not to support their activities but one can not overlook their demands at thesame time. They are the outcome of unjust policies of the state. They can not besnubbed simply by saying that they resorted to a wrong act. There is theneed for a long-term settlement of the Baloch dispute.Balochistan's issue is purely political but the government is bent upon usingforce to crush the Baloch demands. The world community must addressthe plight of the Baloch people. Islamabad should be asked to halt the sheerviolation of the human rights in the province. The sole purpose ofdeliberately putting John's and Qambar's photos together in this post is to askthe world community a few questions. What will happen to poor Qambar,a much younger man than Solecki, even if John, let's pray, is freed and walksback home happily? Will the world ever speak up for young guys likeQambar? Hailing from a middle class family, Qambar has no links with the UNSecretary General. Then who is going to appeal for his release? Theworld needs to spend a modicum of time and cogitate about the future of Qambaras well.The UN should also speak for Qambar and thousands of his likes who are missing.The missing young Baloch boy is supposed to take his annualexams next week. Time is also running for him. He is in his 8th semester. Incase he bunks the exams, his whole career would be ruined. He would endup as a wasted youth. Would he be only responsible if we hear tomorrow that hisdisillusioned young man has joined an armed group?Will Rehman Malik ever come to Quetta and address a press conference to tell uswhere our Qambar is? Will the Pakistani newspapers ever write aboutour missing Qambar? Go through the emotional comments this blog has beenreceiving from the concerned friends of Qambar. We all are worriedabout him. We miss him. We want his immediate release.It is the need of the time the people of the United States of America and thegovernment of the US joined hands with the moderate, progressive anddemocratic Baloch leaders. A collective appeal should be made. The Baloch peoplelargely do not support the kidnapping of the foreigners regardless ofthe demands of the kidnappers. The Pakistani government is lying when it says noBaloch is in its custody. Where is Qmabar Baloch? For us, Qambarand John are the same. We have feel passionately for both of them. The Americansshould come for the release of their man and also use their goodoffices to ensure the release of the Baloch student. It is the high time.Baloch outfit extends deadline for fulfillment of its demandsIslamabad, Feb.16 : The Balochistan Liberation United Front (BLUF), whichclaimed the responsibility of kidnapping the head of the United Nations HighCommission for Refugees (UNHCR), John Solecki, has extended the deadline it hadset for the authorities to meet its demands."We are giving more days for the government to accept our demands," The Dawnquoted a spokesman of the BLUF, Shahiq Baloch, as saying.Earlier, the extremist group had given a deadline of 72 hours for authorities,and had threatened that they would kill the official if their demands are notmet within the stipulated time.The militants demanded an UN intervention to secure the release of 141 women inPakistani torture cells, provide information about more than 6,000missing persons, and resolve the issue of Baloch independence under the GenevaConvention.Solecki was abducted from Quetta on February 2, following an ambush in which hisdriver was killed.--- ANI http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-94550.htmlBan repeats call for release of kidnapped UN staff member in PakistanFebruary 15, 2009UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, who spoke with President Asif Ali Zardari ofPakistan on Saturday, reiterated his appeal for the release of a UnitedNations staff member abducted some 10 days ago in the west of the South Asiannation.A statement, issued here by the UN secretary-general's spokesperson, said thatthe two leaders "agreed on the need to secure the safe and immediaterelease of John Solecki," the UN high commissioner for refugees (UNHCR)representative in the city of Quetta, capital of the Pakistani province ofBalochistan.Solecki, who has been with the UN since 1991, was kidnapped on Feb. 2 and hisdriver, Syed Hashim, was killed in the attack.In the Saturday statement, the secretary-general emphasized the importance ofSolecki's humanitarian work in helping the people of Balochistan."He stresses that no cause can be served by prolonging the abduction of MrSolecki," the statement said.Earlier this week, the United Nations said it is seeking information on a groupcalled the Balochistan Liberation United Front, which on Feb. 7 claimed inlocal media reports that it is holding Solecki.Solecki has a medical condition requiring regular medication, adding thatdelaying his release will lead to a deterioration of health, UN officials saidhere.Source:XinhuaFate of UN hostage in Pakistan hangs in balance - SummaryIslamabad - Pakistani government on Saturday dismissed the demands of thecaptors of a United Nation's official as unrealistic but expressedwillingness to negotiate with them. A separatist group in Pakistan'ssouth-western Balochistan province set a 72-hours deadline on Friday to killJohnSolecki, the local head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, if141 women held in the torture cells of country's intelligence agencieswere not freed.The Baloch Liberation United Front (BLUF), a secular and nationalist guerrillaorganization seeking independence from Pakistan, also demanded therelease of 6,000 more political prisoners."These are unrealistic demands," said Pakistan's top security official RehmanMalik. "We categorically deny that we have any ladies in our custody."Malik asked the families of any women believed to be in the custody of lawenforcers to come forward and contact the authorities so that their releasecould be ensured.He also denied that there were any male political prisoners in Balochistanprovince."Whoever has done this (abducted Solecki) wants to defame the country," Maliktold reporters in Balochistan's capital Quetta, where Solecki wassnatched on January 2 after unknown gunmen shot dead his driver.Solecki appeared blindfolded in a video released by BLUF late Friday. "Mymessage to the United Nations. I am not feeling well. I am sick. I am introuble.Please help to resolve the problem soon, so I can gain my release," he appealed.A UN spokeswoman said Saturday that Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has lodged anappeal with the Pakistani government to take all steps possible toensure Solecki's release. In his plea, Ban noted that Solecki's work isbeneficial to large parts of Balochistan's population.Hundreds of people have died in nationalist insurgency in Balochistan since 2005when rebels resorted to an armed campaign for greater share of theprovince's oil and gas wealth.A BLUF spokesman asked Ban on February 7 to take notice of enslavement ofBalochistan politically, culturally and socially by Pakistan, as the groupclaimed responsibility of UN officials' kidnapping.Malik said the authorities had some clues about Solecki's captors and hoped thatthe UN official would seen be recovered safely. He declined to give anyfurther details.http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/255770,fate-of-un-hostage-in-pakistan-hangs-in-balance--summary.htmlForeign agencies to help search abducted U.N officialForeign agencies have come to the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta tosearch an American national of the U.N. refugee agency, who waskidnapped on Feb. 2, the provincial chief executive said Sunday."I have information that they (foreign agencies) have come here and staying in alocal hotel," Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Muhammad AslamRaisani told reporters."I do not know whom they have met and what they are doing," Raisani said."Balochistan government is making all-out efforts for safe recovery of JohnSolecki and he will soon be recovered."U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon rang up Pakistani President Asif Ali ZardariSaturday and called for efforts to recover Solecki. The U.N. has alsosought direct access to the captors, according to local press reports.John Solecki, head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)office in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, waskidnapped when he was heading to his office.His driver was shot dead by the gunmen when they intercepted his vehicle andopened fire.A new organization Baloch Liberation United Front has claimed responsible forthe kidnapping. A video showing Solecki was released by the groupFriday with a list of their demands and threat to kill him if the demands werenot met in 72 hours.Solecki, blind-folded in the mobile phone video, urged the United Nations to dosomething for his release as he is not feeling well and is sick.Solecki's captors also sent a list of three demands for his release. The demandsinclude release of 141 Baloch women in 72 hours, recovery of 6,000missing Baloch nationals and solution to the Balochistan problems under theGeneva Convention.A purported spokesman for the group Shahid Baloch made similar demands a dayafter Solecki was kidnapped.Pakistan's advisor on interior Rehman Malik Saturday described the demands asunrealistic, saying that the government did not hold any women.Source:XinhuaPak admits FBI investigating Solecki's abduction caseLahore, Feb.16 : The investigation into the kidnapping of a United Nations (UN)official is being carried out by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation,Chief Minister of Balochistan Aslam Raisani has admitted.Raisani confirmed that the special FBI team is present in the province, andprobing all aspects behind kidnapping of the United Nations HighCommission for Refugees (UNHCR) head John Solecki.According to The Daily Times, efforts are on to ensure the safe recovery of theofficial.Raisani said the case would be solved within a few days as the investigativeteam has arrested four persons in connection with Solecki's kidnapping.Solecki was abducted from Quetta on February 2, following an ambush in which hisdriver was killed.A relatively unheard of militant outfit, the Baluchistan Liberation United Front(BLUF), had taken responsibility for the kidnapping.--- ANIhttp://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-94016.htmlPakistan: Conflicting reports about kidnapped U.N. officialSTORY HIGHLIGHTSJohn Solecki, heads UNHCR office in Quetta, Pakistan, taken on way toworkVideo shown in which man who appears to be Solecki asks U.N. for helpU.N.: Uncertainty about deadlines or who exactly has abducted SoleckiKidnappers reportedly call Quetta press club, extending the deadlineFrom Zein BasraviISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Conflicting reports have emerged about deadlinesinvolving the kidnapping of a U.N. official who was abducted earlierthis month in Pakistan, the United Nations said Monday.A soldier stands guard where John Solecki was kidnapped in Quetta, Pakistan, inearly February.Information is sketchy despite news reports that a deadline was extended by thegroup that claims to have kidnapped John Solecki, the United Nationssaid.Solecki heads the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees office in Quetta, a cityin southwestern Pakistan that is the provincial capital of Balochistan.Journalists at the press club in Quetta reportedly received a call from thekidnappers announcing the extension of a deadline.But U.N. spokeswoman Miki Shinohar said they were uncertain when the firstdeadline was set, when the new one would expire or even who exactly hasabducted Solecki."We don't know for sure exactly who these people are, because we haven't beenable to make direct contact with them," she said. Watch video of manbelieved to be John Solecki »"We're trying to really to work with different people, different communities,tribal leaders. We're trying different ways really to get more information aboutJohn's whereabouts."Pakistani authorities are investigating, but have produced no significantinformation, Shinohar said.A video that aired Friday on Pakistan's Geo TV network appeared to show Solecki,who is an American.In the video, the man says, "This is a message to the United Nations.am not feeling well. I'm in trouble. Please help solve the problem soon so I cangain my release."Geo TV said the tape was sent to its News Online Web site and posted therebefore it aired on the network.Solecki was kidnapped February 2 on his way to work, the United Nations said.His driver, Syed Hashim of Quetta, was fatally injured, police saidPakistan: Release Of Kidnapped UN Staffer UrgedMonday, 16 February 2009, 3:48 pmPress Release: United NationsBan Repeats Call For Release Of Kidnapped UN Staff Member In PakistanSecretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, who spoke with President Asif Ali Zardari ofPakistan today, reiterated his appeal for the release of a United Nations staffmember abducted nearly two weeks ago in the west of the South Asian nation.According to a statement issued by Mr. Ban's spokesperson, the two leaders"agreed on the need to secure the safe and immediate release of JohnSolecki," the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) representative in thecity of Quetta.Mr. Solecki, who has been with the UN since 1991, was kidnapped on 2 Februaryand his driver, Syed Hashim, was killed in the attack.In today's statement, the Secretary-General emphasized the importance of Mr.Solecki's humanitarian work in helping the people of Balochistan."He stresses that no cause can be served by prolonging the abduction of MrSolecki."Earlier this week, the UN said it is seeking information on a group called theBalochistan Liberation United Front, which on 7 February claimed in localmedia reports that it is holding Mr. Solecki.The world body said that he has a medical condition requiring regularmedication, adding that delaying his release will lead to a deterioration ofhealth
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